Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

No Product Keys For Windows 8 Computers?!

May 9, 2015 9:05AM PDT

What do those product keys on the computers DO anyways?! Are they meant to be used if the computer hard drive needs to be replaced, similar to a MorphOS registration keyfile?

And if so, how does Windows 8 able to be reinstalled if the hard drive needs to be replaced?

Is it true that Windows 8 and up do not have product keys?!

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
Well a product key...
May 9, 2015 9:10AM PDT

authenticates the OS. Proving it's not cracked. It's not is it?
Dafydd.

- Collapse -
Answer
The OEM versions use a new system.
May 9, 2015 9:11AM PDT

Now let's be clear this is on the web as to what changed. The retail versions have keys (again , on the web about all that.)

As to your question, it matters if it's OEM, Retail and then you have the pirate cracked copies that we can't discuss.

So for the HP, Dell no keys needed.
Bob

- Collapse -
Still Confused:
May 9, 2015 10:29AM PDT

So can you tell me again how to find if it is a "cracked" edition? I did not understand that sentence.

I am also probably repairing a family laptop they bought some place. It is a HP 2000. It has a Windows 8 sticker. It has no product key on it. If I got recovery discs (the hard drive is dead - can't use Recovery partition from the dead hard drive) from HP, would the install be successful? Will the disc detect signature from the ROM (or whatever it detects) similar to MorphOS Keyfile?

If hard drive dies again, can I reinstall it using recovery disc?

And what happens with a Retail Version? Do they only work for one install even if the hard drive dies?

I have never installed Windows or Reinstalled Windows in a very long time. I don't remember.

HP and Dell? Does this mean that the rest of the PC manufacturers have product key stickers on them?

I meed to be sure because I am wondering if I should get a Windows 8 computer for my self. And I am worried if the hard drive dies.

- Collapse -
HP supplies the real deal.
May 9, 2015 1:38PM PDT

So we don't have to worry about that. HP is supplied a special version from MSFT and the machine has a special system to authenticate the HP version.

I had to check up on MorthOS and I'll write no.

Yes, you use the recovery disc or USB memory stick.

Retail works but is wiping out new WIndows install folk. Not only do you put in your retail key (the OEM deal does not apply to the retail version) but you get to deal with drivers and apps. This seems to really stress folk even though it's been all on the web for decades. I understand you may not be up to speed yet.

Product key stickers are almost gone now. In the move to lower costs it's one more move to reduce costs.
Bob